Gentle Jamie,17, in BMX tragedy

JAMIE at his school prom

A teenager described as a “real gentleman” has died in a freak accident the day after finishing his A-levels.

Hulme Grammar School pupil Jamie Helme-Sagar was killed instantly at a BMX track in Heywood.

The 17-year-old, from Dukinfield, had been due to start a computer science and businesses studies degree at Birmingham University in September.

He went cycling with a friend last Thursday after finishing his exams — describing it as the first day of the rest of his life.

Mum Elaine Sagar (44), who owns Grafton House Preparatory School in Ashton and a hairdressers, described the Manchester City fan as “special”.

She said: “He was so very polite and gentle.”

Jamie was idolised by his six-year-old brother, Zeb, and respected both his father, Paul, and Elaine’s husband, Chris, as parents.

“He was at a BMX track in Queen’s Park. We do not know quite what he hit, whether he hit a bump or a stone, but he went over his handlebars and he was killed outright,” explained Elaine.

“It was just a freak accident. If he threw himself off his bike 100 times it would not have happened.

“How do you cope? I do not know. I am just taking it day by day. We have got a very strong family and his friends really are young ladies and gentleman, they are fantastic.”

Jamie’s main interest was computing and he was also a member of Tameside Drama Youth Group, working backstage on the technical side.

Elaine added: “Jamie was a Christian and was involved with his church. He liked helping out at the youth group and he used to help at the weekly coffee morning when not at school.

“He was just very polite and gentle, a real gentleman. He wasn’t a normal teenager. He was just very mature and had been since being a small child.”

Family have asked for no mourning clothes for the funeral at Crescent Road Congregational Church, Dukinfield, at 11am on Wednesday, which will be a cheerful celebration of Jamie’s life.

It will be followed by committal at Dukinfield Crematorium and family flowers only are requested, with donations in aid of Tameside Youth Drama Group.

Some will wear Manchester City items and it is also hoped to hand out necklaces with an anti-smoking message, which Jamie wore. A special sky blue wristband has also been made.

Jamie recently celebrated his school’s prom and moving tributes have been posted on Facebook.

An assembly was held at Hulme Grammar School which will hold a balloon launch in Jamie’s memory tomorrow.

The school’s principal Dr Paul Neeson said: “It was with great sadness to all of the Hulme community to receive the news that Jamie had died so tragically.

“Jamie joined Hulme in 2003 and became fully involved with life both inside and outside the classroom. He was a member of the Combined Cadet Force and enjoyed playing a significant role as part of the technical team in school productions and even treading the boards. Jamie had developed into a fine young man in his time with us.

“Jamie’s parents understandably will be in a state of shock and disbelief; however, I’m sure that they and their wider family will be in our thoughts and prayers today and for a long time to come.”